Manila: Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has vowed a sweeping investigation into corruption in the country’s infrastructure projects, making it clear that no individual, regardless of rank or influence, will be spared. The announcement reflects growing public concern over mismanagement and alleged irregularities in flood control initiatives, particularly following recent severe monsoon rains that left towns and cities inundated.
In a nationally televised address, President Marcos described the probe as a defining moment for governance in the Philippines. He appointed a former Supreme Court justice to lead the newly established commission tasked with investigating anomalies in infrastructure spending. The focus will be on flood control projects, which have come under scrutiny after reports suggested that a significant portion of the allocated budget remained unutilized, mismanaged, or never implemented.
Reports indicate that approximately ₱545 billion (around $9.5 billion) has been allocated to flood control projects since 2022. Alarmingly, only a small fraction of contractors 15 companies secured about 20% of the total funds, raising suspicions of collusion and favoritism. The concentration of resources in the hands of a few has intensified calls for transparency and accountability, prompting the government to act decisively.
Civil society groups and church organizations have scheduled anti-corruption rallies on September 21, coinciding with the anniversary of former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.'s declaration of martial law a period marked by authoritarianism and human rights abuses. President Marcos Jr. acknowledged the historical significance of the date and expressed support for peaceful demonstrations, remarking, “If I weren't president, I might be out in the streets with them.”
As part of immediate corrective measures, the president announced the cancellation of all flood control projects scheduled for 2026, with the funds to be redirected to critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and agriculture. He emphasized that the primary objective of the probe is to uncover how public money was misappropriated and to ensure proper accountability, stating, “We need to find out how much public money was stolen by these crooks. That's what we need to uncover and fix.”
President Marcos also cautioned against politicizing the investigation, urging stakeholders to focus on ensuring transparency and the proper use of funds rather than advancing political agendas. He stressed that the government is committed to restoring public trust and establishing systems to prevent similar anomalies in the future.
The comprehensive probe signals a new phase in Philippine governance, one where oversight, accountability, and integrity in public projects are being placed at the forefront of national priorities. Observers note that this initiative may have far-reaching implications for the country’s political landscape and public perception of infrastructure management.